The Reds signed 37-year old relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen to a minor league contract today. A couple days after watching him throw a bullpen session at Great American Ball Park, Isringhausen showed the powers that be enough to offer him a contract to join the Reds Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Riverbats.

Isringhausen will officially sign his contract tomorrow. Its likely that he will work down there for a couple weeks before being added to the major league roster. Once added he will assume a late-inning or set-up relief role with the team. The Reds have been in need of help in the bullpen as it has been a roller-coaster of a year for all but Arthur Rhodes coming on in relief.

Making a career out of being a closer, primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals, Isringhausen could be used in that role from time to time if needed. With his 293 saves, Isringhausen is fourth among active pitchers - one spot ahead of the Reds current closer, Francisco Cordero, who has had a rocky year in the role this season.

Isringhausen hasn't pitched in the majors since June 2009 when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays. After blowing out his elbow he had to have Tommy John surgery and is looking to make a comeback with the Reds. He was one of the more dominating closers in the game from 2002-08 when he was working for the Reds current General Manager, Walt Jocketty, with the Cardinals. During that time he notched 217 saves before injuries started taking their toll on him.

Reds manager Dusty Baker has said that he thinks Isringhausen is looking really strong and throwing very well. If that is the case and he can bounce back from surgery he will be a welcome addition to a bullpen that will need help down the stretch.

MLB cincinnati reds, jason isringhausen, arthur rhodes, francisco cordero, walt jocketty, dusty baker